Authorities flag off Shikara boat race in Srinagar

Srinagar: Authorities flagged off the Shikara (traditional wooden boat) race called ''Lalit Shikarathon 2011'' in the Dal Lake here on Saturday. The organiser of the race, Jyotsna Suri, said the aim behind holding this race was to give recognition to the Shikaras (boat owners) and to attract tourists to the state. "Shikara (traditional wooden boat) owners are an integral part of Kashmir and tourists find such activities attractive in Dal Lake. The idea was to encourage the owners of the Shikaras to maintain and decorate their Shikaras and also to accord recognition to them. This was the aim of organising the Shikara race. It''s going to be an annual feature," said Suri.

Image:Shikaras participating in Lalit Shikarathon at Dal Lake in Srinagar on Saturday, October 22, 2011.